Featured Events in Berkeley in June 2025 (June Updated)

Roxane Gay in conversation with Alicia Garza, moderated by Aya de Le ó n . Introduction by Aya de Le ó n. Introductory live music performance by Bushwick Book Club Oakland Freight & Salvage As critical works and perspectives are being increasingly censored by the federal government’s hypocritical campaign for its distorted vision of “free speech,” our strategies for organizing and mobilizing communities must adapt to most effectively resist these attacks on justice. Here with an urgent reminder that feminism is expansive rather than definitive is Haitian-American writer and self-proclaimed “bad feminist” Roxane Gay , whose latest collection, The Portable Feminist Reader , depicts the feminist canon as one that represents a long history of feminist scholarship, embraces skepticism, and invites robust discussion and debate. According to the Starred Library Journal , she “provides accessible entry points into feminism and offers even advanced scholars new ways of viewing the complex, intersectional histories of feminist thought, literature, and action” by presenting multicultural perspectives, ecofeminism, feminism and disability, feminist labor, gender perspectives, and Black feminism. Intersectionality and having diverse voices is crucial in the fight for justice, and in conversation with Gay is another powerful voice in media and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network, Alicia Garza , who will be the first to say that “hashtags don’t start movements. People do.” Thus, the first step forward is to equip oneself with knowledge from experts like Gay and Garza, who encourage people to carry their power within, allowing them to adapt and transform, but never conform, in their intersectionality. Sponored by She Writes Press Information Source: Bay Area Book Festival | eventbrite

For the first time in our history, we have created a technology that can have an opinion about us. Opinions, as well as ideas and points of view, are the products of intelligence, and, until recently, we were the only intelligence in town. However, we are entering the Age of AI, of machine intelligence, and the choices we make about this incredible invention will have profound consequences for our species. Robert Todd, one of UC Berkeley’s most popular OLLI instructors, will help us better understand this invention at Arts & Culture on Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Known for his wit and clear explanations, he briefly will discuss how AI was developed, what it can and cannot do, and what it means to have this new intelligence readily available. His illustrated presentation will include demonstrations of AI. If you have dabbled with AI — using tools like Chat GPT, Claude, Grammarly, or Gemini — you will gain a deeper appreciation for the vast potential now at your fingertips. If you are blissfully unaware of what AI is and can do, you will leave with a tangible introduction and, hopes Robert, a desire to learn more. Tickets for this program are $5 for club members and students and $10 for non-members. Please register early so we can be sure to accommodate everyone comfortably.  “Robert is a remarkably knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker,” says BCC member Susan Newman, who, along with several other members, is taking her third class from Robert. “All of us are quite excited by the course as well as his command of this rapidly changing field.”   For three decades, Robert has worked at the confluence of technology, learning, and human behavior. As a pioneer of e-learning in the late 1990s, he helped revolutionize the way people acquire knowledge. From 2006-2011, he was Global Director of Learning Technology at McKinsey & Company , where he built the firm’s first e-learning technology. At San Francisco State, he created some of the earliest online courses. His passion for leveraging technology to enhance education and change behavior also led him to leadership roles at organizations like DigitalThink , one of the first e-Learning companies to provide online mentors and tutors; and the professional networking site LikedIn . He currently splits his time as a lecturer on AI and advising a portfolio of AI-powered startups.  In addition, Robert continually adds to his website, Rethinking Intelligence . In contains a mix of thought-provoking essays, practical information about AI tools, and a comprehensive list of references. Reserve your seat early to hear why Robert asserts: “AI is humanity’s most consequential invention. ” Information Source: Berkeley City Club | eventbrite

The JCC East Bay is excited to welcome you to this beloved community event! Once again, in partnership with dozens of Bay Area synagogues and organizations, we will offer a day of community learning in honor of Shavuot. For safety and security, event pre-registration is required. VENUE All classes will be held at the JCC East Bay on 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. CLASS SCHEDULE Shortly before the event, all pre-registered attendees will receive a schedule of classes emailed to the email address with which they registered. COMMUNITY PARTNERS Please visit the JCC East Bay Shavuot event page for an updated list of partners and more information about the JCC East Bay. SPACE FOR FAMILIES DURING OUR EVENT Please note that our Preschool Yard will be available for play time should families choose to bring their children, however, the yard will not be supervised, so we require that an adult stay with their child(ren). Please respect and enjoy our space, recognizing that classes will be in session around the Preschool yard. Your cooperation in helping to keep children as quiet as possible is greatly appreciated. QUESTIONS? Email tikkun@jcceastbay.org and we'll respond in a timely manner. IMAGE Special thanks to JCC East Bay Artist-in-Residence, Rebecca Schisler , for the generous use of her image, "Walk Humbly with your G-d." JCC East Bay is committed to equal access to all: The JCC East Bay invites you to join us for this program. We welcome and support our diverse Jewish community, people of all religions, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. The JCC East Bay believes it is important for people of all abilities to feel welcome and included in our space. Our 100+ year old historic building does offer limitations, and cannot accommodate everyone in the way we would hope. Please let us know your specific needs so we can best make you feel included in our space. Information Source: JCC East Bay | eventbrite

Judith Butler in conversation with micha cárdenas, moderated by MK Chavez. Introductory live music performance by Bushwick Book Club Oakland Freight & Salvage During the 2024 presidential race, the Trump campaign released an anti-trans ad blitz across swing states. Once in power, he wasted no time issuing an executive order proclaiming there are only two biological sexes. Accordingly, trans protections, gender affirming care, and DEI initiatives are being dismantled nationwide. Philosopher and human rights activist Judith Butler has long been a lightning rod for society’s fears, myths, and projections about the idea of gender. Now, when we need them most, Butler is back with what critics are calling their most mainstream and urgent book yet, Who’s Afraid of Gender ? It’s both an intervention and an example of rising to meet the moment. At our Sunday headliner event, Butler will be in conversation with micha cárdenas , a novelist and scholar known for her work on “transreal” identities and digital media, whose latest sci-fi novel, Atoms Never Touch , tackles themes of neurodivergence and trans identity. Moderated by Afro-Latinx educator and writer MK Chavez , Butler and cárdenas will discuss their complementary yet distinct approaches to gender theory and identity: putting Butler’s foundational concepts in conversation with cárdenas’s cutting-edge explorations of biotechnological realities. Information Source: Bay Area Book Festival | eventbrite

The JCC East Bay is excited to welcome you to this beloved community event! Once again, in partnership with dozens of Bay Area synagogues and organizations, we will offer a day of community learning in honor of Shavuot. For safety and security, event pre-registration is required. VENUE All classes will be held at the JCC East Bay on 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. CLASS SCHEDULE Shortly before the event, all pre-registered attendees will receive a schedule of classes emailed to the email address with which they registered. COMMUNITY PARTNERS Please visit the JCC East Bay Shavuot event page for an updated list of partners and more information about the JCC East Bay. SPACE FOR FAMILIES DURING OUR EVENT Please note that our Preschool Yard will be available for play time should families choose to bring their children, however, the yard will not be supervised, so we require that an adult stay with their child(ren). Please respect and enjoy our space, recognizing that classes will be in session around the Preschool yard. Your cooperation in helping to keep children as quiet as possible is greatly appreciated. QUESTIONS? Email tikkun@jcceastbay.org and we'll respond in a timely manner. IMAGE Special thanks to JCC East Bay Artist-in-Residence, Rebecca Schisler , for the generous use of her image, "Walk Humbly with your G-d." JCC East Bay is committed to equal access to all: The JCC East Bay invites you to join us for this program. We welcome and support our diverse Jewish community, people of all religions, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. The JCC East Bay believes it is important for people of all abilities to feel welcome and included in our space. Our 100+ year old historic building does offer limitations, and cannot accommodate everyone in the way we would hope. Please let us know your specific needs so we can best make you feel included in our space. Information Source: JCC East Bay | eventbrite

For the first time in our history, we have created a technology that can have an opinion about us. Opinions, as well as ideas and points of view, are the products of intelligence, and, until recently, we were the only intelligence in town. However, we are entering the Age of AI, of machine intelligence, and the choices we make about this incredible invention will have profound consequences for our species. Robert Todd, one of UC Berkeley’s most popular OLLI instructors, will help us better understand this invention at Arts & Culture on Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Known for his wit and clear explanations, he briefly will discuss how AI was developed, what it can and cannot do, and what it means to have this new intelligence readily available. His illustrated presentation will include demonstrations of AI. If you have dabbled with AI — using tools like Chat GPT, Claude, Grammarly, or Gemini — you will gain a deeper appreciation for the vast potential now at your fingertips. If you are blissfully unaware of what AI is and can do, you will leave with a tangible introduction and, hopes Robert, a desire to learn more. Tickets for this program are $5 for club members and students and $10 for non-members. Please register early so we can be sure to accommodate everyone comfortably.  “Robert is a remarkably knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker,” says BCC member Susan Newman, who, along with several other members, is taking her third class from Robert. “All of us are quite excited by the course as well as his command of this rapidly changing field.”   For three decades, Robert has worked at the confluence of technology, learning, and human behavior. As a pioneer of e-learning in the late 1990s, he helped revolutionize the way people acquire knowledge. From 2006-2011, he was Global Director of Learning Technology at McKinsey & Company , where he built the firm’s first e-learning technology. At San Francisco State, he created some of the earliest online courses. His passion for leveraging technology to enhance education and change behavior also led him to leadership roles at organizations like DigitalThink , one of the first e-Learning companies to provide online mentors and tutors; and the professional networking site LikedIn . He currently splits his time as a lecturer on AI and advising a portfolio of AI-powered startups.  In addition, Robert continually adds to his website, Rethinking Intelligence . In contains a mix of thought-provoking essays, practical information about AI tools, and a comprehensive list of references. Reserve your seat early to hear why Robert asserts: “AI is humanity’s most consequential invention. ” Information Source: Berkeley City Club | eventbrite

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION TO SAVE ANIMALS . Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 21+ Event 2700 Ninth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 The Official Pints for Paws®, voted the Best Fundraising Event in the East Bay year after year, returns for the 11th year in 2025! Have a great time while celebrating and benefiting Berkeley Humane's life-saving programs. Meet local brewers and beverage vendors, and sample an unlimited number of refreshing beers, ciders, wines, vodka – and so much more! Great selection of tasty food bites available for purchase. Enjoy live music, games, and hundreds of crowd-friendly dogs! Every dollar raised will save the lives of shelter pets. But don’t wait to purchase your tickets. Pints for Paws® sells out quickly, so get your tickets today! Learn more about the event on our website. Rules: This is a 21+ and dog-friendly event. Please, due to safety, no strollers or children. No in-and-out privileges will be granted. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and friendly in crowds. The event is rain or shine and tickets are nonrefundable. Pints for Paws® and the Pints for Paws® logo are registered trademarks of the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society and may not be used without express written permission of Berkeley-East bay Humane Society. All rights reserved. FAQs: Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? Yes, this is a 21+ event. Identification will be checked at the gate. How many tastings are included in the admission fee? Sample tastings from all participating beverage vendors are included with admission, and each tasting is a 3 ounce pour. Please drink responsibly. We strongly encourage taking public transportation, walking, or enlisting a designated driver. What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? Only street parking is available. We highly recommend taking public transit, biking, walking, or enlisting a ride share service to and from the event. What's the refund policy? Ticket sales directly fund the life-saving mission of Berkeley Humane. Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket is transferable. Thank you for saving the lives of dogs and cats! Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? We can scan your ticket via your phone if you don't have a printed ticket. Information Source: Berkeley Humane | eventbrite

​​ The What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit is the first, and one of the most significant, gathering of venture capitalists, angel investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives focused on the longevity economy. Attracting more than 300 leaders in the fields of aging and health, it is the place where forward-thinking entrepreneurs and VCs meet to share and envision innovative products and services for the global longevity marketplace. Why you should attend: Find deal flow Hear from investors who are investing in the market Be among the first to learn about innovations for the longevity market​ Hear from entrepreneurs on their go to market strategies Book personalized meetings with startups, investors, and industry leaders with AgeTech One-on-Ones hosted by AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP. Gather research about the longevity market Discover the latest books and podcasts on aging and longevity economy To book your sleeping room at the CLaremont Resort & Club use the link below: https://book.passkey.com/go/WHATS0625 Information Source: Mary Furlong & Associates | eventbrite

Why choose this tour? This tour gets creepier as you go and the second half is not for the easliy scared! The Haunted Bay is an authentic Bay Area paranormal investigations series and we will take you on a trek across the campus and nearby grounds, across dark paths and stop at old haunted buildings. You'll hear the ghost legends and true ghost stories that have been told by witnesses, reported in the news and experienced by psychic mediums and we'll share our personal experiences and evidence gathered during paranormal investigations. People have found the second half really creepy so if you get scared easily, this may not be the tour for you! Basics: Start time: 8:00pm during the spring (hike will last around 2.5 hours, but may be a bit shorter or longer depending on what happens). For safety reasons, The Haunted Hike will run only if we have two guests minimum. Refunds, alternative dates or an alternative (with fewer dark areas and discounted) tour will be offered if we cannot run the Haunted Hike due to low ticket sales. Tickets for each tour will be available until 4 hours before the tour to give us time to notify guests if we do not reach the minimum. Meeting point: In front of the main doors of the Bakar Ingenuity Hub at 2630 Bancroft Way in Berkeley. End Point: East of Clark Kerr Campus. It will be 15-20 minutes to walk back to the starting point if you need to go there. If you want to park near the endpoint, then it is best to park on Dwight and Sports Lane. What to bring/prepare: Wear long pants, comfortable closed toed shoes. Bring a small flashlight or phone with a light, water and a well fitted mask in case we get indoor access to a location (not guaranteed). We will ask you to wear a mask if we go indoors since the guide works with the disabled and immunocompromised. You are welcome to bring paranormal investigation apps and equipment as long as they are not too disruptive to the tour. Important information: This is a semi-strenuous walk with hills, stairs, dark pathways and uneven ground with rocks, vegetation, branches and debris. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver and photo/video release to participate in the hike. Please do not attend if you are sick, even if it occurs the day of . Just let us know and we can issue a refund or find another date. You can text us at 510-338-2039. Mature themes will be discussed. We will talk about some dark, mature topics, including true crime details, so this tour may not be appropriate for children under 15. Tours will only run if there are a minimum of two guests. Hike time may vary depending on how much paranormal activity is picked up, questions, and breaks. Allow time for parking as it can be difficult at times. We advise using the restroom before the tour starts. Nearest restrooms are at Caffe Strada at 2300 College Ave. (around the back) and Freehouse Pub (2700 Bancroft Way). About us: The Haunted Bay films paranormal investigators and psychic mediums in haunted locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our videos are on Amazon Prime and AsianAmericanMovies.com. Our website: www.thehauntedbay.com . Follow us on social media: Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook @thehauntedbay Refunds and cancellations: Refunds will be issued if requested at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. Exceptions can be made in case of illness or emergencies. If we are unable to run the tours due to bad weather, not having at least 2 guests or other reasons that make it unsafe or unfeasible to run the tour, we will issue refunds or we can reschedule. Terms of Service: We reserve the right to refuse service for unsafe or disruptive behavior including but not limited to being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances, being disrespectful, harassing the guide or guests, not following directions. Questions: Email: thehauntedbaysf@gmail.com Text: 510-338-2039 Information Source: The Haunted Bay | eventbrite

This is my body is a powerful storytelling experience designed for women of color to reclaim their narratives, amplify their voices, and own their truths. As women’s bodies face increasing attacks and our autonomy is under siege, it is more important than ever to create spaces for healing, empowerment, and transformation. This event is one such space where storytelling becomes a vessel for self-expression and reclamation. Over the past few months, the cohort has crafted original pieces through writing and performance workshops, centering the theme of "body". This year’s showcase is a culmination of their hard work, vulnerability, and bravery as they take the stage to share personal stories about identity, healing, strength, and survival. As we witness these stories unfold, we honor the reality that for many, this is the first time they are speaking their truths in public . These women are reclaiming the space to express their experiences—unapologetically and boldly. The performance offers a glimpse into their journeys in a world that continually seeks to suppress women of color's voices. Whether this is your first this is my body showcase or your seventh, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening that celebrates women of color as they transform silence into power and reclaim the narratives of their lives. Tickets sell out most years, so buy in advance. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door day of. NOTE: Due to the deeply personal nature of these stories, some stories may contain mature themes. We leave it up to the discretion of parents/guardians if this showcase is appropriate for their kids and teenagers. Information Source: Novalia Collective | eventbrite

For one night only, cellist Isaac Pastor-Chermak teams up with longtime collaborating pianists Miles Graber (Carter, Martinu) and Alison Lee (Poulenc) for a program of epic proportions. Three masterpieces for cello and piano, all composed around the year 1950, show us three sides of the postwar sound in Europe and America. ELLIOTT CARTER spent his entire life and career in New York City, composing some of the most difficult and abstract modernist music in the entire art form. Isaac and Miles have played his cello sonata many times, including recording it on a recent commercial release. BOHUSLAV MARTINU 's cello sonata dates from his time in America during and after World War II, when he and Elliott Carter would have certainly crossed paths in New York City. In contrast to Carter's modernism, Martinu's postwar compositions embrace a fun, neoclassical sound. FRANCIS POULENC was a product of Paris -- personally and professionally. He crafted a truly one-of-a-kind musical style one generation removed from the great Impressionists: bawdy, irreverant, deeply heartfelt, his cello sonata is among the great works in the postmodern repertoire. PROGRAM Elliott Carter, Cello Sonata (1948) Bohuslav Martinu, Cello Sonata No.3 (1952) Francis Poulenc, Cello Sonata (1948) THE ARTISTS Isaac Pastor-Chermak , cello Miles Graber , piano Alison Lee , piano Information Source: Isaac Pastor-Chermak | eventbrite

Welcome to the **Father’s Day Rooftop Brunch** at **The Stanford’s**! Join us on **June 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM** for a delightful celebration with your dad. Treat him to a special meal with stunning views of the city. Let’s make this day memorable! See you there in **Pacific Time**. Information Source: The Lit Express Experience | eventbrite

Sravana Borkataky-Varma will lead us on a journey where we will collectively attempt to dip into divine sexuality – Is the divine masculine or feminine, and or both or neither? We will collectively engage in guided meditation sessions that come from Śākta (goddess) tantra from the Kāmākhyā lineage. Breakout group discussion will further help us peel off a layer to bring us closer to recognizing the divine in us. This event is in person and livestreamed to youtube. Tickets are sliding scale $45-$90. If this is above your means, please reach out to eventbrite@berkeleyalembic.org. Interested in volunteering for this event? Please fill out this form . Volunteering includes admission to the event. Sravana Borkataky-Varma specializes in South Asian religions, with a particular emphasis on Hindu practices. Her scholarly work investigates Indian religions and delves into topics such as esoteric rituals, gender issues, and bodily concepts, especially in relation to Hindu Śākta Tantra traditions, often referred to as Goddess Tantra. She adopts a research methodology that blends social anthropology—examined from an outside perspective—with elements of reflexive autoethnography that reflect her personal experiences. As an educator, she holds the position of Instructional Assistant Professor at the University of Houston and serves as a Research Affiliate at Harvard University's Center for the Study of World Religions. Upcoming works include the co-authored book, The Serpent's Tale: Kuṇḍalinī and the History of an Experience, and the co-edited compilation, Embodied Pedagogy in the Study of Religions: Transforming the Classroom, both set for release in 2025. Sravana has also co-edited Living Folk Religions and Religious (2022) and Responses to the Pandemic & Crises: Isolation, Survival, and #Covidchaos (2024). Presently, she is developing her monograph titled Divinized Divas: Superwomen, Wives, Hijṛās in Hindu Śākta Tantra and a co-written book titles Altered. Additional information about her published works is available on her website, sravanaspeaks.com. Sravana is committed to building communities that bring together individuals from various religious backgrounds who aspire to lead lives marked by kindness and compassion. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Esalen Institute and contributes to the Advisory Board of Compassionate Houston. Learn more about Sravana here https://sravanaspeaks.com/ Information Source: The Berkeley Alembic Foundation | eventbrite

A Summer Institute Designed to Support Word Recognition & Fluency Instruction for Elementary Students Part 1 - Foundational Skills Assessments & Part 2 - Instruction and Intervention (Summer 2025) Monday, June 16 (8:00am-3:30pm) in person Tuesday, June 17 (8:00am-3:30pm) in person Wednesday, June 18 (8:00-3:30) in person Virtual Follow-Up Thursday, October 2 (3:30pm - 5:00pm) virtual **All sessions include an additional 45 minutes of synchronous work through our Learning Management System, Canvas.** Information Source: California Reading & Literature Project (CRLP) at UC Berkeley | eventbrite

Doors open at 6:30pm, Screening Begins at 7pm General Admission: $15 plus online fees Members, seniors and students: $10 plus online fees BERKELEY OLD HEART BENEFIT SCREENING JUNE 17, 7 P.M. The Northern California premiere of the timely new feature film Old Heart is set for June 17 at 7 p.m. . This tribute to black veterans who have fought for our nation back to the American revolution will benefit Local News Matters, a news site covering news deserts from Monterey to Mendocino and Stockton. Reservations for tickets can be made at …. Producer/screenwriter Roger Rapoport will speak with Hillside Club First VP and publisher of Local News Matters after the screening. This event is open to the public. Information Source: Berkeley Hillside Club | eventbrite

With all of the change happening around us, we find that community remains the best source of health and sanity. Let’s look at food systems with a strong intention of systemic change -- and catalyze funding! Food makers are change makers. Funding them is a meaningful bet on our future. The 2025 summit - Innovate for Food Systems - continues the focus of the impact of food businesses on Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) and Climate Action. "Of all the food entrepreneurship events I participate in, FOOD FUNDED is my favorite place to make new friends, have authentic conversations and to explore ideas and opportunities to follow up on." Vibe of last year's FOOD FUNDED: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre Session (Webinar included in all tickets, but also available separately): GETTING THROUGH TO INVESTORS How to Connect with Effective Storytelling? Live Training with Case Study. Thursday, May 29, 2025 , 12:00pm-12:50pm ENTREPRENEUR LAB Hands-on sessions with experienced practitioners " Just the right mix of experienced presenters and inspiring attendees to allow me to make the connections I hoped for to help my company get to the next level." Investing in Regenerative Food Systems. Overview: Commtiting to transparent regenerative Farmers and Growers in the Supply Web Serving the Needs and Opportunities in Communities authentically Trend: Funding with better-aligned Investment Terms Expert and Investor Roundtables : No-nonsense guidance and feedback FOOD INVESTOR SHOWCASE Annual Food Investor Fair highlighting curated Enterprises "I was truly blown away but the caliber of people and companies. They were all inspiring and so clear about the impact they want to have on the world. Fantastic!” CONNECTIONS! Marketplace of Opportunities. Collaboration. "Food Funded is my favorite place to have authentic conversations and to explore ideas and opportunities to follow up on." Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch & a networking happy hour. Your registration information is confidential and will not be shared, beyond the main event hosts. Information Source: FOOD FUNDED Entrepreneurship & Investor Fair | eventbrite

Deconstructing Yourself is a weekly drop-in guided meditation (approximately one hour) plus Q & A with Berkeley Alembic founding teacher Michael Taft. Deconstructing Yourself is all about sharing the life-changing force that is meditation. We extend beyond any particular religion or technique in order to welcome any and all who are interested. Deconstructing Yourself strives to encourage, inform, and inspire your meditation practice towards ongoing awakening. Meditations are live-streamed and archived on YouTube . Logistics : 1. The front door to The Alembic auto-locks, and since we don't want our volunteer to miss the sit, the door will be locked at 6:30. Please arrive early lest you end up streaming the YouTube sit from the parking lot. 2. There is ample free parking - details and directions will be in your confirmation email No one turned away for lack of funds. If this applies to you, please pay at the door . Michael W. Taft is a meditation teacher, author, and podcaster. Michael teaches meditation courses, retreats, and individuals worldwide, and is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Mindful Geek. He is the founder and host of the Deconstructing Yourself podcast. From Zen temples in Japan to yogi caves in India, Michael has been meditating for over thirty five years and has extensive experience in both Buddhist and Hindu Tantric practice. Michael is the co-founder of the groundbreaking Alembic center in Berkeley. He was previously editor-in-chief of Being Human, and was the long-time editorial director of Sounds True. Michael lives with his family in the Bay Area. Information Source: The Berkeley Alembic Foundation | eventbrite

Information Source: Malike | eventbrite

Kick off summer with Turtle Island Restoration Network for an exclusive screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, Turtle Walker (by Taira Malaney) at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California on Friday, June 20th. Check-in and reception begins at 6pm. Turtle Walker s tarts at 7pm , following a special short film screening. Interested in sponsoring this event? Please complete our online sponsorship form or reach out to Turtle Island Restoration Network's Development Manager, Eleni Gast at egast@seaturtles.org. This touching film shares an intimate picture of the life of Satish Bhaskar, an Indian conservationist who dedicated himself to studying and protecting endangered sea turtles along India's coasts. In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarks on an epic journey on foot along India's coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar islands, where he uncovers the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries surrounding these enigmatic ocean creatures - and sets out to save them from extinction. After a devastating tsunami strikes in 2004, Bhaskar grapples with a pressing question: What happens to sea turtles when their nesting beaches disappear? Learn more about this magnificent film here . Explore Turtle Island Restoration Network's mission and work here . We hope to see you there! Information Source: Turtle Island Restoration Network | eventbrite

Welcome to the Second Chance Prom! Come join us for a night of dancing, laughter, and memories at our in-person event located at 9801 Natural Bridge Rd . Whether you missed your prom, want a do-over, or just love to dance, this is your chance to relive those high school memories in style! Put on your best outfit, grab your friends, and get ready for a night to remember. Our DJ will be spinning all your favorite tunes, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the fun. Don't miss out on this second chance to make new prom memories! Information Source: Diamond | eventbrite

Join this Family Constellation held in Berkeley CA. A Family Constellation puts a family system into the physical space where we can discover entanglements deeply entrenched in a family's trauma and identity. Family Constellations may give insight into the root causes of our limiting beliefs, such as uncovering an unconscious loyalty to an ancestor. When it’s out in the open, we can see the throughlines...see the root causes...find resolution. At the heart of Family Constellations are two main tenets: 1) Acknowledging what is: The group work may highlight limiting beliefs or those unconscious and deeply entrenched rules that defined how we first belonged. Uncovering the beliefs is the first pivotal step towards change. 2) Bringing forth radical inclusion: Family Constellations are guided by the Orders of Love. Part of the work may be to bring back someone who has been forgotten (whether they were purposefully written out of the family history or because remembering was too painful). Once identified, the work is to restore them to their right place in the family system. Similar to the concept of epigenetics where traumatic events literally change the trajectory of a family's DNA coding, Family Constellations can shift foundational beliefs so that the client and their descendants can move toward freedom. Yvette holds monthly in person Family Constellations. To find out additional dates, please message her. Information Source: Yvette Leung - Y's Change Coaching | eventbrite

The change of Seasons is a wonderful time to deepen your reflection, awareness, and connection with graceful transitions. Whether you are curious about meditation and mindfulness or have an existing practice, we invite you to join our heart-warming Seasonal Meditation Gatherings with Leila Swenson! Each gathering will explore themes related to the new Season and include mantra meditation, silent sitting, deep relaxation, as well as a little time for questions/discussion. These core practices inspire an open heart, peaceful mind, ease in being, and joy in community! We hope you’ll join us this Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Bring your family and your friends. All are welcome! Tickets: $15 Gathering Dates: Sunday June 22 Sunday September 28 Sunday December 21 Sunday March 22 About Leila Leila Swenson, E-RYT 500, is a joyful, kind, and inspiring Vinyasa teacher whose classes flow naturally from the heart. Her yoga studies began in 2000 at the Himalayan Institute, and she has been teaching full-time in the SF/Bay Area since 2010. An experienced teacher, Leila has had the privilege of teaching at Yogakula, Firefly Yoga, Yoga Tree, Nest Yoga, Esalen, Glow Yoga, Urban Flow, Flying Yoga, Academy of Art University, Ubisoft, Craigslist, Tishman Speyer, OLLY, and privately. She has served on the faculty of Yoga Tree Teacher Trainings in SF in 2019 and 2020, and served as a Guest Teacher in Laura Burkhart Yoga Teacher Training in 2022 and 2023. Leila leads local workshops and retreats as well as a Happiness Yoga Retreat in Mexico every year. She has experienced yoga as the most effective practice for Self-discovery, love, health, happiness, and peace, and is delighted to share it. Leila is deeply grateful to her teachers and devoted to the students she serves. Information Source: The Green Yogi | eventbrite

Are you an artist or video content producer? Want to up the production value of your videos by compositing or bringing multiple assets together? Look no further than After Effects! This non-linear editing software will allow you to add professional grade special effects to your project, create your own motion graphics and so much more! *Premier Pro is a pre-requisite to this class. 3 sessions $120 Taught by Qadir McCray Dates June 24, 25, 26 5-8pm Melanie@betv.org to RSVP www.bcmtv.org Information Source: Berkeley Community Media | eventbrite

The Son Party-Noche Bailable Come dance Cuban popular music old and new, including Son, Danzón, Timba and Cha-Cha-Cha! Come early to have a drink and a bite and get ready for the class with Master Instructor(and birthday boy) Roberto Borrell at 7:00pm Stay all night to dance to the music of DJ's Roberto Borrell and Garry Johnson. You can save some money and really help give us an idea of how many people to expect by purchasing an advance ticket for only $10 (plus small Eventbrite fee). If you are NOT going, you can still purchase a ticket, just to mess with us and give us false hope of seeing you in person. There will also be $15 tickets available at the door for folks who like to procrastinate. The Son Party will be in The Lounge at La Peña in Berkeley. The Lounge shares a space with a Mexican Restaurant, Los Cilantros, so maybe come early and have 2 Shrimp Tacos and a Negro Modelo before Roberto’s Mini Son Lesson, then one more Negro Modelo with lime 15 minutes into the party. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me (Garry Johnson). Email me at emailforgarry@gmail.com or call at (415) 297-7212. I pride myself on getting back to people, so just try me!!! If you have been feeling sad lately, it is probably from not dancing enough Son, Danzón, Timba and Cha-Cha-Cha, which is conveniently what we will be playing all night long at The Son Party. Information Source: The Son Party | eventbrite